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A shipment of over 15,000 kg of tobacco seized at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced border services officers at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle port of entry made a large seizure of 15,330 kg of contraband tobacco on August 20, 2014.

On August 20, 2014, a trucker arrived at the border driving a tractor semi-trailer. Collaborative efforts by the CBSA, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Sûreté du Québec had established that there was a smuggling risk associated with this vehicle. The driver and his vehicle were referred for a complete inspection. Border services officers discovered 15,330 kg of bulk tobacco hidden behind boxes of fresh vegetables. The driver was arrested. A criminal investigation was launched by the CBSA and he will face charges under the Customs Act and the Excise Act, 2001.

Quick facts

The Customs Act provides that sanctions ranging from administrative monetary penalties to criminal charges may be imposed on any person or business that makes a false statement regarding goods.

Since 2010, the CBSA has seized close to 300 tonnes of bulk tobacco at its land ports of entry in Quebec.

Quote

"This operation is the result of combined efforts with our partners to address the problem of large-scale tobacco smuggling. Seizures of this magnitude remove significant quantities of illicit tobacco from the contraband market."